Wednesday, 25 February 2015

O is for Opportunity

Opportunity – “a time or set of circumstances that make it
possible to do something”.

When a small, unexpected, windfall came our way in January we
booked a last minute holiday to Cyprus for some much needed winter sunshine.

Our suite, top floor right hand side

How could we not take the opportunity of seeing such amazing
places as Petra tou Romiou, the birthplace of Aphrodite - the Greek Goddess of love,
beauty and pleasure?

According to Greek Mythology Aphrodite rose from the sea off the coast of Cyprus, legend has it that the rock in the middle of the three is Aphrodite's Rock.

On a different note ...
Earlier this week a routine check-up with Mr. Daniel, my
heart specialist, showed that although my heart is still beating fine, thank
you very much, my blood pressure is way higher than is good for me. Dietary
changes will need to be made, a more extensive exercise regime begun, tests and
monitors were mentioned.

Hard to see at the time what sort of opportunity this
situation presented but after a couple of nights of tossing and turning I've decided that
this is my chance to take charge of my health once and for all, before it’s too
late.

One of the delicious tasting desserts which we enjoyed at the Columbia Beach Resort's Apollo Taverna, could this be the reason my BP is elevated?

I’ll keep you posted on how things go.

Linking to Mrs Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday, where this week we're discussing the letter O.

13 comments:

An unexpected windfall is a lovely thing and I think you invested wisely!I like the idea of healthy eating, healthy lifestyle for any reason. I'm not always as good as I might be at it! I applaud and encourage you!

I am sure that you are enjoying Cypus. As cold as it is here, I would surely enjoy such a nice get away. I am sorry to hear about your blood pressure. I deal with it too. Not fun. Wonderful photos. Thanks for a bit of Arm Chair travel.

What a wonderful choice you made for a nice trip! I love the pics and can't wait to hear more!

I have high blood pressure and take a pill for it. I have also cut back on salt and use herbs instead. That said, I have to avoid non-whole foods...they have hidden preservatives and high amounts of sodium. I didn't arrive at this sort of thinking until I was diagnosed. Sometimes it takes that jolt to make the changes so don't feel bad about your habits of yesterday. We become healthier with these warning signs.

What a good word! I'm sorry to hear about the BP but you are so wise as to look at it as an opportunity to get yourself in shape in a way that will help it -- an opportunity to extend the quality and quantity of your life. I'm not anyone's favorite exercise fan but when I started spinning I found that not only I liked it but have made good friendships with the people in my class and anticipate those days! Who knew that would ever happen?!

Hi Maggie ~~ Sooo pretty, your Cyprus pictures. I want to go!!! But somehow Cyprus hasn't been on our "convenient" list. I know it is a very pretty place and, good to be there right now, warm in the winters. Closest we've been is Rhodes or Alexandria (Egypt).Too bad about your blood pressure, but I am glad they have discovered this. I am sure they have or will be checking all the reasons. Mine runs just a little high when I'm in the Dr. office. The Doc put me on BP meds and a 'moderation diet.' Did you know that the kidney is one of the regulators of BP? My left kidney artery became blocked so that BP was lower there which told the heart to pump harder.One other, one of our French friends (Paris) said she want to go to Oman soon. I am not sure that Oceana would let us fly to Oman as a part of their "free airfare" offer. Oceania Cruise, Dubai to Cape Town, https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Africa-cruises/dubai-to-cape-town-NAU151025/..

What a wonderful word to guide you through the year, and clearly you've been dancing well with it. Such a lovely holiday! Wishing you lots of ease and grace in making the healthy changes you're seeking.

I think you made the most of the opportunity of a little windfall. Going to Cyprus meant relaxing in the sun and seeing beautiful sights. I can just picture Aphrodite on that middle rock. Wishing you much luck as you venture upon this new opportunity of improving your health your way!

A wonderful "O" post and a terrific share here. Your trip looked fabulous. I hope your HBP will resolve itself. My hubby has it too and exercise seems to work wonderfully along with a good healthy diet. Best of luck bringing that pressure down to a safe place. I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer too. Have a good week.

About Me

Home is a 16th/18th century former Presbytery situated in a tiny village, surrounded by beautiful Normandy countryside.
I share it with my lovely husband and best friend of over 37 years, and M'selle Fleur our gorgeous German Shepherd.